The majestic celebration of the birthday turned into a big disaster as the kingdom lost a prince. The mysterious lady beckoned the puppet and then nodded to Noelle as they were going near the stairs. She suddenly paused at Eryssa's fainted figure and she sighed as she shook her head and said "A pity " . Then the group consisting of the mysterious lady, Noelle and the puppet went up the stairs and it seems just after their presence completely vanished, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. How did they disappear was also a question but they were too tired to ponder upon that.
Eleana moved her figure as she starred with daggers at the figure she fought before. Did he kill the actual guardian? From when? Who are his other accomplices ? She checked on Eryssa and others and then moved to Veer who was almost floating inside the mysterious barrier of starlight. Just then there was a bang and the doors collapsed .
Rows of armed knights entered the hall emanating a deep pressure. They were leaded by a mysterious man who had two swords at his waists. His face could not be seen as he was wearing a intricate helmet meant for battlefield. His armor was greyish in color and had many different emblems designed in the chest.
The army following him also had a group of delicate ladies who had kits specially for medical purposes. They immediately went to address the unconscious and injured civilians and nobles.
The leader's gaze move to Eleana as he said in a deep voice "Write me a report on everything that transpired." Eleana nodded as she saluted "Yes sir". He then indicated to his army and said" Capture the impersonator and also address the prince's situation. What a mess. " .
*****
Veer's eyelids fluttered as he opened his eyes. Somehow he seemed to feel a deja vu. Last thing that he remembered was Rheon dropping dead and Eleana moving towards him with a worried look. He looked around and was stunned by the familiar ceiling and the strange gazes of people. It was very similar to the old guesthouse he awoke previously.
"Young man are you alright ?" said a voice as Veer moved his head towards the voice. His pupils constricted at the familiar sight of the old man laughing and muttered "You !!!" . The old man shook his head and pointed at the door.
Veer instantly connected many dots. He didn't utter another word as stood up and prepared to head to the door. What a familiar setting. It seems I really went back in time , Haa. He picked up his sword laid in the open and sheathed it . He noticed this time there was seven star marks in the sword. He gave the old man a deep look and headed to the door.
Just before he could open it , the door opened and two figures came into view. Oh this time its two. Surely, I did not travel back in time. It was a beautiful figure with blonde hair who had the expression of crying. Her deep eyes coupled with a pristine face seem to draw him in her eyes again.
She was followed by a even more beautiful white figure with white hair and silver clad armor. Recalling the scene before he fell unconscious and looking at the worried figure ahead his body was fluttering as all his fatigue seemed to vanish.
Only if he could see such a scene everyday. Eleana opened her mouth to speak but before she could Eryssa shouted "Why are you so reckless? Why did you even accept the duel ? Are you ok now?" before checking all over his body. Her hands seemed to be so soft than even cotton might be a bit rough.
He was pondering and experiencing the ecstasy when Eleana's voice snapped him back. "You can check him after the king's summon is over. Eryssa separated reluctantly and said " Ok ! Lets go. During the banquet he did not even came to check but now that everything is over he is calling us".
"Eryssa!!" Eleana stopped her as she gave her a stern look. The trio moved out of the guesthouse and again moving to the familiar castle. But this time the destination was even more grandeur. Veer was pondering over a few things as his expression became even more confused. He felt the king knew about the events beforehand somehow but he also needed to know the exact information about what happened after he collapsed.
Before he opened his mouth, Eleana told "It was caused by a mysterious woman . She wanted something from you. But the strange thing is the Noelle's family is a recognized count family. She was always part of this kingdom. Also that puppet that exactly looked like you ..." Eleana stopped talking as Veer's eyes constricted as he clutched his head seemingly in horror.
Veer was now faintly remembering something where someone or rather something seemed to press his head and he was in excruciating pain. So the loss of memory is related to that woman or more accurately that puppet. Veer's mind was in chaos.
Eryssa's face became nervous as she conjured a simple wand and chanted "O spirits of the seven Worlds! Heed my words ! I in my name Eryssa Drudar summon you to relinquish the pain of my knight !" as a set of beautiful spirits seemed to gently manifest around Veer and placate him. Veer's anguish disappeared and all kinds of pain vanished.
Veer's eyes regained clarity as he muttered " A fairy" . Eleana had a nonchalant look while Eryssa's face became red as she muttered "No I am not". Then she ran way. Eleana gave Veer a look and nodded "Let's discuss more when you are better" as she also left.
Ha we are going to the same place so why are you two running away. Veer wondered. He also walked fast to catch up with them. The atmosphere seemed a little awkward to Veer . They moved up the stairs towards the majestic king's castle.
Kerin joined them before they could enter as he greeted them in very subdued voice "Sorry Veer, I could not do much." Before Veer could respond Eleana said "You protected Eryssa .That's more than enough"
Veer was surprised as he once again found a lot of things happened yesterday. He shook his head and patted on Kerin's shoulder. Eryssa nodded to Kerin as she thanked him . Kerin was once again awkward and nervous as he shook his hands.
They arrived near the gates and the guards immediately parted way seeing them and gave them a salute. Eleana said" Let's go ! They are waiting." as they moved into the castle. The castle was no less grandeur than the banquet hall. It was even more majestic and looked even more beautiful.
Rows of seats were arranged on both sides of the king's throne which was atop stairs. Just by looking at the scene before Veer, he became a bit nervous. Numerous eyes followed them as they went near the court. Many scenes were happening right before them.
Eryssa's uncle was now kneeling on the ground as his robes were half tored and an imposing black knight was standing near him with a whip. Two counsellers from left row were standing up and one was saying "Even though he had supported the mysterious woman there is no evidence that he killed Valyn". The other followed "Your majesty, you need to reconsider. Giving a exile punishment to him will be too heavy one. We will lose honor and both and the strength of a black knight."
As the footsteps of Veer's group neared , one counsellor from the other row stood up and she said "Oh my ! what are you doing standing there Eleana, go do your duty and join the white knights . You couldn't even stop the prince's death and now you have the audacity to walk like some kind of hero! Trash!".
Veer felt many people were familiar especially the King who was seated with one hand resting on his chin and this lady with a dog's mouth. But again he could not remember anything. He could sense an immense pressure he never felt before from a knight wearing greyish color armor standing beside the king. He had two swords at his waist. This might be the strongest person in the entire kingdom. He broke out of his reverie as he looked at Eleana.
Eleana looked at counsellor lady as she prepared to take her sword. The black knight standing before the king fully armored raised his voice and said "Stop Lady Eleana! Other than her ,everyone recognizes your bravery and heroic achievements and without you yesterday would have been a complete disaster. ". Eleana silently nodded and withdrew her sword.
Erysaa seemed to keep her head down and fidgeting with her hands. The knight unfurled a scroll.
The king beside him just nodded and he began to read the scroll ."As per the council meetings, The king has decided to reward Eleana with the status of a black knight . A duke's crest will be bestowed on her and her family name will again rise to ranks to a Duke. The mysterious knight Veer who failed to protect Eryssa will be given a task to visit the Nameless ruins and bring back a golden elixir to wake up Alicia as a punishment for failing to protect the prince and recklessly admitting to a duel and causing injuries of civilians."